With above average funeral costs in Massachusetts, filing a claim with a burial insurance policy might be one of the best things to do with your money. Also known as “final expense” or “funeral insurance”, burial insurance is a relatively inexpensive form of whole life coverage that can handle expenses for memorial services and even hospice care.
If you or a loved one is ever in need of assistance with securing coverage in the Bay State, the northeast, or anywhere else in the US, get in touch with Final Expense Benefits. We partner with some of the best whole life providers and help you find the plan that suits you best.
Looking for funeral coverage in the northeast? Call Final Expense Benefits at (866) 786-0725, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, and see what burial insurance in Massachusetts can do for you today.
Key takeaways
- Funeral costs in Massachusetts are 10-19% higher than in the US.
- Reliable insurers like Americo and Foresters Financial can offer affordable insurance coverage rates compared to national averages.
- Other whole life providers, such as Mutual of Omaha and Transamerica, offer rates that match national averages for funeral insurance.
- No Massachusetts state laws, rules, or regulations currently affect applicants’ ability to use final expense insurance.
Average Funeral Costs in Massachusetts
When compared to the rest of the country, the funeral costs in Massachusetts are notable for being more expensive, regardless of what type of burial you choose. Traditional funerals are 10% higher before plot costs, and direct burials are 14% above the national average. As for cremations, they are 12% more expensive. A direct cremation will be 19% more expensive.
According to Funeralocity, the Bay State’s average funeral costs will vary depending on the type of arrangement you choose:
- Traditional funeral with burial service: $9,530 + $3,035 average burial plot cost
- Direct burial (burial service waived): $3,300
- Traditional cremation (burial service included): $7,109
- Direct cremation (burial service waived): $2,720
Prices for basic services may vary depending on location, desired funeral amenities, and more. Check out Final Expense Benefits’ funeral cost calculator for more information.
Most Popular Funeral Homes in Massachusetts
Take a look at some top-rated funeral homes located in the state:
| Funeral Home | Location | Phone Number | Average Customer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Holden, MA |
5.0 / 5.0 |
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|
Sterling, MA |
5.0 / 5.0 |
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|
Newton, MA |
4.9 / 5.0 |
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|
Boston, MA |
4.9 / 5.0 |
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|
Taunton, MA |
4.6 / 5.0 |
Green Burial Sites in Massachusetts
Green burials, also known as eco- or natural burials, are a type of burial that allows the deceased to decompose naturally. Not only is this a great way to aid environmental conservation efforts, but it’s also a cost-efficient option, thanks to the use of fewer resources and a speedy process compared to full-service burials.
In Massachusetts, green burials are considered legal but are unregulated. With that said, not all cemeteries in the state allow green burials. Be sure to call and ask about the practices permitted at your preferred resting site beforehand to avoid any hassle.
| Funeral Home | Location | Phone Number | Average Customer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chilmark, MA |
5.0 / 5.0 |
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|
Shutesbury, MA |
4.8 / 5.0 |
||
|
Lee, MA |
4.7 / 5.0 |
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|
Cambridge, MA |
4.3 / 5.0 |
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|
Norwood, MA |
4.2 / 5.0 |
Funeral Costs in Massachusetts Breakdown
The average cost of a funeral relies on many factors, including the type of memorial you want and optional add-ons that increase the price. A traditional burial service is often the most expensive burial option due to plot cost and the inclusion of a casket.
So take a look at the biggest parts of your memorial service that will affect your total funeral cost in Massachusetts:
- Basic Services: includes licensing and funeral director fees—around $2,540 in MA.
- Transportation: costs from body transferring to the morgue and for a hearse to the cemetery—a $1,131 average in MA.
- Service Preparation: mainly embalming, an expensive body preparation procedure, which is standard for traditional funerals. Average MA costs are $1,054.
- Funeral Service: memorial service officiants, flower arrangements, decorations, and funeral home rental fees; total costs can increase with additional accommodations and amenities (I.e., hosting large gatherings, funeral catering, etc.). MA costs here are about $1,305.
- Casket: the median cost for an average wooden casket is $3,500, but it will vary depending on additional modifications.
- Burial Plot: burial plot costs vary by location, but the average cost in Massachusetts is $3,035.
A burial insurance plan can be a great investment that covers funerals, cremations, and many other end-of-life costs. Typical policies won’t require medical exams, accepting most applicants regardless of health, with average benefits payouts ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Most insurers in Massachusetts offer burial insurance and do not have state-specific rules or laws affecting the accessibility of this coverage.
Massachusetts’ Funeral Laws, Free Look Period, & FTC Funeral Rules
In Massachusetts, processes for funeral arrangements are generally similar to those in any other state in the US. Several matters may be included and managed at the state level, which you and your loved ones will have to pay attention to—thankfully, in Massachusetts, there are no such additional rules.
Across the nation, however, you’ll have to keep the Free Look Period and FTC Funeral Rules in mind.
The free look period refers to the time a new life insurance policy owner can terminate an insurance policy without penalty. The free look period lasts 10 days in Massachusetts. There’s also an additional 30-day grace period for policyholders to pay any missed premiums without their plan lapsing. Should a claim not be settled within that 30-day grace period, it will begin to accrue interest.
Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to provide consumers with written prices for their products and services upfront. It also allows you to choose only products and services you want from providers and reject any prepackaged options presented to you and your loved ones.
Funeral Insurance Rates in MA Vs. National Averages
Burial insurance policies are available for all ages, at any budget, regardless of what pre-existing conditions you may have. With a solid plan, especially in the state of Massachusetts, you can save your estate the hassle of tending to higher end-of-life costs. Just take a look at some Massachusetts burial insurance rates alongside national averages:
Sample Burial Insurance Rates - Massachusetts Averages
| Company | Male 50 y/o | Male 60 y/o | Male 70 y/o | Female 50 y/o | Female 60 y/o | Female 70 y/o |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$31 |
$43 |
$71 |
$27 |
$41 |
$58 |
|
|
$34 |
$51 |
$73 |
$26 |
$35 |
$53 |
|
|
$32 |
$47 |
$75 |
$26 |
$37 |
$55 |
|
|
$31 |
$44 |
$75 |
$24 |
$33 |
$53 |
|
|
$31 |
$43 |
$70 |
$24 |
$33 |
$53 |
For $10K policies with non-smoking applicants and no-pre-existing conditions.
Sample Burial Insurance Rates - National Averages
| Company | Male 50 y/o | Male 60 y/o | Male 70 y/o | Female 50 y/o | Female 60 y/o | Female 70 y/o |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$40 |
$52 |
$86 |
$34 |
$41 |
$66 |
|
|
$34 |
$51 |
$73 |
$27 |
$41 |
$58 |
|
|
$37 |
$50 |
$75 |
$26 |
$37 |
$55 |
|
|
$31 |
$44 |
$75 |
$24 |
$33 |
$53 |
|
|
$31 |
$43 |
$70 |
$24 |
$33 |
$53 |
For $10K policies with non-smoking applicants and no-pre-existing conditions.
Why Choose Final Expense Benefits?
Final Expense Benefits is here to help you get the most out of your burial insurance from any top-rated life insurance provider, in Massachusetts or in any other state, at any time.
Call us at (866) 786-0725, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, or use our free online quoting tool for personalized estimates. Speak with one of many expert representatives to help you find the right plan, get the information you need, and avoid the hassle with Final Expense Benefits.
Best Burial Insurance Providers in Massachusetts
Getting connected with some of the best insurers in the Bay State is as simple with Final Expense Benefits. Consider the following insurance companies below if you’re looking for a quality whole life plan in Massachusetts:
- CVS Health (Aetna Accendo)
With underwriting by Accendo Insurance, CVS Health life insurance has a solid policy backed by financial strength and a history of reliable customer service. - Americo
Americo offers plenty of life insurance riders, allowing policy customization alongside a reliable insurance product. This product is great for seniors who smoke or have pre-existing health conditions since they have rates cheaper than the national average.
- Foresters Financial
Foresters Financial offers customers many life insurance options at competitively priced rates and additional riders that modify coverage plans. - Mutual of Omaha
Known nationwide for many years due to their reputation for the quality of their insurance products and amazing customer service, Mutual of Omaha offers coverage at competitive rates that is consistent from state to state. - Transamerica
Transmerica and its whole life insurance policies are often regarded as a reliable selection for senior applicants seeking coverage and have been throughout their storied history.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to state law, there’s nothing to worry about if you apply for a burial insurance policy in Boston or Brockton. However, if there’s something to be wary of, it might be Massachusetts’ significantly higher cost (on average) to lay someone to rest. Thankfully, locating final expense coverage that can help you deal with those large funeral costs is but a click away with Final Expense Benefits.
Start your paperwork today and put your mind at ease with a solid burial insurance plan. Call Final Expense Benefits at (866) 786-0725, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, and get insured in Massachusetts today.
FAQ
How much does a funeral cost in Massachusetts?
Traditional funerals in Massachusetts average around $9,530 before burial plot costs are added to the estimated total. Direct burials that waive off burial services will be around $3,300.
How much does a cremation cost in Massachusetts?
Traditional cremations with full burial service amenities will cost around $7,109 in Massachusetts. Direct cremations, which avoid a burial service, will average about $2,720.
Are green burials allowed in the state of Massachusetts?
Green burials are allowed in the state of Massachusetts. However, while they are legal, these alternative burial methods are unregulated. Not all cemeteries permit alternative burial methods and practices.
What insurer is the best for burial insurance?
Burial coverage insurers such as Americo and Foresters Financial can offer comparatively cheaper rates in Massachusetts. For additional information on other providers and personalized rates, use our free online quoting tool.